Chapter 39: Kimberly

Love is blindWords: 13015

Today is a day of mixed feelings. Today is my birthday and that also means that it is the anniversary of Julia's parents death. I was pleased to hear that she said that for the first time she could look back on it with a good feeling. Earlier this was the day when she mainly thought about the years after the death of her parents, but now she thinks more and more about beautiful memories of her parents. She also doesn't want me to worry about her today. Because she says today is my day. In fact, my birthday started quite unexpectedly yesterday. I had already left for an interview before Julia left for work. At least I thought Julia was going to work, but much to my surprise, Julia was waiting for me outside the studio. From there we drove to the airport. Julia never really wants to use my family's luxury, but she made an exception for this time. She had asked my father if we could use his private jet.

Julia and I spent the rest of the day and night in Paris. It was short, but we had a great time. Unfortunately, we had to go home right after breakfast. There is a gala tonight where I am expected. It will be the first time that Julia comes with me and shows herself to the world as my girlfriend. Which makes it even more exciting. After I put the picture of us on social media, all the journalists ask about Julia, but I haven't said too much about her yet. I only gave Tanja, together with Julia, an extensive interview including a photo shoot. She was not allowed to say anything about Julia at that time. All she was allowed to say was that I am very happy with my dream woman and Julia and I first wanted to start our relationship in peace before everything and everyone gets involved. Of course Tanja wanted something in return. She is, after all, a journalist. She would get the scoop as soon as Julia and I thought it was time, which is today. I called Tanja this week and told her that Julia is coming with me tonight and that she could post the interview today. Normally I never read when something is written about me, but this time I made an exception. Tanja posted a nice story in her gossip magazine. What I liked a bit less is that she posted a photo that shows Julia in particular. Which, of course, was somewhat to be expected. It was really a beautiful picture, but I prefer to protect Julia from the media as much as possible. Although I also know that it will be a very difficult task, especially after tonight. Fortunately I also have Silvia for that, who can keep most of it away from us. After Tanja posted the interview, Silvia has almost only been on the phone. I'm afraid it's only going to get worse after tonight. After today she deserves an extra big Christmas bonus.

Normally I don't pay much attention to it when I have to go to a gala, but today I had a whole team come to get us ready for tonight. I wanted Julia to experience this for once. I just don't understand why I chose to put us both in a different room. I can't wait to see her. I've been sitting downstairs impatiently waiting for her to be ready. I sent my parents and Silvia to the kitchen in the meantime, because their comments drove me crazy. They also kept laughing at me because I'm so nervous. I just can't help it, this is a nerve wracking day for several reasons. I hear the living room door open. I sigh when I see it's Silvia. "I hope you don't react that way to what I brought you," she says laughing. Not much later, Julia steps through the door. I can't take my eyes off her.

Every time I think I've seen her in the sexiest dress, but this blue one also looks very good. The jewellery she is wearing, which belonged to her mother, completes the whole picture. "Mommy, your mouth is open." I hear Sem say after a while. I didn't even notice that he, like my parents, is now standing next to Silvia in the living room. "Yeah sorry buddy. That sometimes happens when you see something beautiful". I walk over to Julia to give her a long kiss. "You look beautiful. You know by now that I will not let you leave my side for a moment tonight". I laugh when Julia says that. "Have you already looked at yourself. I'm afraid everyone will be jealous of me because the most gorgeous and sexy woman in the world walks by my side." It's time to say goodbye to everyone. We'll see my parents and Silvia later at the gala, but we don't want to show Sem to the world just yet. We really don't want to do that to him. Although I am a little afraid that soon it will be known who he is. I can only hope everyone can respect his privacy. "Have fun moms. I'll watch you on TV." When I hear Sem say that, I can see Julia's nerves growing. I can understand that. In about an hour she will no longer be Julia Brown the hard-working mother that hardly anyone knows, but suddenly she will be Julia the girlfriend of Kimberly Hansen, the actress who is most talked and written about at the moment. "Beauty, it's going to be all right. We just really have to go now," I say as I give her a hug.

The limousine stops at the beginning of the red carpet. The moment is getting very close now. I give Julia a kiss. "It's going to be all right. I am with you all the time". I knock on the window so the driver knows to open the door. "Are you ready beauty?" After Julia nods I give her a kiss and get out. I immediately hear that there are enough photographers present. I hold out my hand to Julia to help her get out. As soon as she is outside the car, she quickly looks around. "See, it's okay." Completely unexpectedly she gives me a kiss. I have a big smile on my face. "I think you've made everyone here really happy right now. I'm guessing they didn't expect to see that today." With Julia by my hand, we take the first steps on the red carpet. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking." I look at her with a big smile on my face. "You won't hear me complaining. I assumed I wouldn't be able to kiss you all night, but now I know I don't have to hold back anymore". After I said that I immediately give her a kiss. Julia get a beautiful smile on her face.

In the meantime we have arrived at the camera crew that does the live interviews for the TV. "Kimberly Hansen, first of all happy birthday. I don't think we've ever seen you glow like that." Is the first thing that is said. I put my arm around Julia's waist and hold her close to me. "Thank you and you may be right about that. I've never been happier." I kiss Julia on the temple after saying that. "Julia, we have heard that you have a child and that you are already living with Kimberly. Is that right?". I feel Julia stiffen a bit. "You are well informed". I'm really surprised how quickly she recovers. I remember my first time on the red carpet. I could only get a few words out stuttering, while I was already used to the attention by then. "Isn't that a bit fast?" I look annoyed at the journalist. "No, I do not think so. We prefer a different approach". I look at Julia with a smile when she says that and have already forgotten about the whole journalist. "How do you mean that?". Julia looks at the journalist with some shock. I think she, like me, forgot where we were and only had eyes for each other. "We first moved in together. We only got into a relationship after that". Julia and I burst out laughing when we see the surprised looks after Julia said that. "Now you know enough. We have to go inside," I say when I think we've been here long enough. "Okay, one more question. Kimberly what do you expect tonight? Do you think you have a chance?" I shrug. "No idea. All the nominees are great, but I already won anyway. I already have my prize with me". I grab Julia's hand and together we continue our way inside.

We have found our place in the theatre hall. It took us a while to get here. We had to pose for pictures a lot. Many acquaintances of mine also wanted me to introduce Julia to them. Of course I'm glad I can finally show everyone what a beautiful girlfriend I have, but I'd rather have her to myself. Here we can sit quietly with the two of us, because there are no people close to us. Only my parents and Silvia will be sitting in our section. I rest my head on Julia's shoulder. She immediately wraps her arm around me. "Is it your turn to get nervous now?" she asks with a smile. "Maybe a little, but I'm especially happy to be here with you." Julia kisses me on the head. "I'm also glad to be here with you." I look deep into Julia's eyes. "Will you still be there tomorrow? Then everyone will know that you are mine". She laughs. "So then everyone will know that you are mine. Also, I don't have to think about it anymore if I want to hold your hand or give you a kiss. Now I can show everyone how happy and proud I am with you". I can't help but give her a lovely kiss. About ten minutes later my parents and Silvia also join us. We talk for a while until the gala starts.

"Then it is now time for the final award. The award for the best actress. These are the nominees." I grip Julia's hand tightly. It's not the first time I've been nominated, but this is the first time I'm nervous. I've never won and I didn't care, but I think I really want Julia to be proud of me. "For me you are the best anyway," Julia whispers in my ear. I kiss her on her temple. She get a smile on her face. "And the award for best actress goes to.......... Kimberly Hansen". I'm shocked when I hear my name. Of course I had hoped for it, but I had not expected to win. Julia grabs my face with both hands and looks into my eyes. "I am so proud of you". I put my lips on hers for a few seconds. I get up. Before I can walk to the podium, where I will receive my award, I get big hugs and congratulations from my parents and Silvia.

On stage I receive a trophy and I am guided to a microphone. "Um.... To be honest, I hadn't taken this into account. So I didn't prepare anything. Personally, I like my colleagues better. In any case, I would like to thank my manager and best friend Silvia. She is my support and strength. Without her I wouldn't know how to keep it up. Of course I want to thank my colleagues. I couldn't do my job without them. I want to thank my parents of course without them I wouldn't be standing here. I'm sorry honey, I know you don't like the attention, but I can't help but mention this. Julia, you suddenly came into my life and everything has changed. Life is useful again. I've never been happier. You and your son, my buddy, complete my life. Thank you for that. I love you so much. I want to say so much more to you, but for now I will leave it at that". I see Julia give me a blown kiss, which I also give her back. "Vincent this one is for you. Without you I wouldn't be standing here. You were my support and strength. You always believed in me and helped me with my first steps. I will always carry you in my heart". When I notice that I'm going to cry, I quickly step off the podium. I quickly return to my seat. Julia is already halfway with me to give me a big hug. "He would be so incredibly proud of you. I'm sure he's up there watching with a big smile". We give each other a kiss and then find our place again.

We've been at the after party for about an hour now. I've been mostly busy with interviews. After that, everyone kept coming up to congratulate me and have a chat. It's a good thing Silvia came with us, otherwise Julia would have been on her own. As soon as I finally have the chance I quickly walk over to Julia and take her hand. "Let's go dance. At least they'll leave us alone for a while." I don't think you can really call it dancing. We do move back and forth a bit, but we are mainly close to each other. Our lips seem to be glued together. I am very happy to see that Julia seems to have no problem with it at all. "Beauty, shall we go home?" I ask after a while. We've been here long enough now and I have more planned for tonight. "It's your day. So do you want to go?" I nod. "I've had enough of all the people. I want you to myself". I grab her hand and start our way to the exit. I signal Silvia to leave. She puts her thumb in the air and comes over to us. Before we can finally get into the car, Julia and I have to pose a few more times for the photos and then we can really go home.

When Igot home I was congratulated by the staff and told that we looked greattogether. That the camera couldn't get enough of us. Sem also quickly got outof bed to congratulate me and then went upstairs again, but I know I will seehim again later tonight. I sent the staff home. Julia and I flop together onthe couch. Silvia is still arranging a few things and will join us later. I enjoybeing alone with Julia for a while. We chat a bit and are looking back attonight's footage. I enjoy it to the fullest, because on the tv I can see evenbetter how in love Julia keeps looking at me. "Kimberly can you pleasecome and help me?". I'm startled when I hear Silvia say that. "Yes,of course, I'll be there in a moment." I give Julia a kiss. Then I walk toSilvia and I already know exactly what she needs me for.